Monday, June 23, 2014

7.9 Alaska Earthquake Generates Tsunami Fears

By Douglas V. Gibbs

A 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck Alaska's Aleutian Islands this afternoon, triggering a tsunami warning that was later downgraded to a tsunami advisory.  The advisory was cancelled a few hours later.

The earthquake struck the western end of the island chain, alerting nearby Adak, a town of 325, after the shake and roll inspired tsunami fears.

Residents say they have felt worse, but as they headed for higher ground, an hour after the quake water was reported leaving the harbor.

The earthquake hit at 12:53 p.m. at a depth of 62 miles, 15 miles northwest of Amchitka, and 29 miles southeast of Little Sitkin Pass. The U.S. Geological Survey initially listed the earthquake at a magnitude of 7.1, which was later revised to 8.0, then revised again to 7.9.

"The depth of this earthquake will limit the extent of tsunami danger," the updated tsunami warning said.

The strongest aftershock reached a magnitude 6.0 eighteen minutes after the initial rumbling, with a 5.9 magnitude aftershock at 1:30, and by 3 p.m., seven earthquakes of magnitude 3.7 or higher.

-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary

Tsunami warning reduced to advisory after 7.9 quake in Western Aleutians - Anchorage Daily News

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